Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalitionhttp://mbcc.org/breast-cancer-prevention
Stop the Epidemic With PreventionMon, 13 Aug 2018 20:25:50 +0000en-UShourly1Cape Media News Focuses on Against the Tidehttp://mbcc.org/breast-cancer-prevention/cape-media-news-focuses-on-against-the-tide/
Thu, 09 Aug 2018 23:01:15 +0000http://mbcc.org/breast-cancer-prevention/?p=11441This compelling 20-minute talk show features MBCC Executive Director, Cheryl Osimo, ATT Chairwoman Betty Anne Bevis, and ATT High School Chairman Charles McGinn.
]]>Mothers Supporting Breast Cancer Preventionhttp://mbcc.org/breast-cancer-prevention/mothers-supporting-breast-cancer-prevention/
Wed, 25 Jul 2018 17:46:57 +0000http://mbcc.org/breast-cancer-prevention/?p=11419Against the Tide is a unique paddle, swim, run, walk, kayak, and/or Aquathon event held each year to benefit Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition’s (MBCC) work towards breast cancer prevention. With both competitive and recreational components, this event has something for everyone. It is an inspiration each year to see multiple generations, competitive athletes, weekend warriors, and so many more come together to work toward a common goal: breast cancer prevention.

Breast cancer remains the second most common type of cancer diagnosed, after skin cancer, for U.S. women. Breast cancer is the second most common cause of death, after lung cancer, for U.S. women. An estimated 40,920 women and 480 men will die in 2018 from breast cancer. A systematic change is needed to alter the legacy of breast cancer for our children and grandchildren.

In working with MBCC, I have had the honor and privilege of meeting women, men, and families suffering from this life-changing diagnosis. Against the Tide inspires me to press on toward a world where breast cancer no longer robs families of their loved ones.

Betty Anne Bevis of Marstons Mills, a longtime advocate for breast cancer prevention and Against the Tide Chairwoman, was 46 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, the same age her father was when he died of cancer. At the time, she had four surgeries but managed to stay enrolled at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, where she had gone back to earn her degree. “I remember I had a final exam and then the very next day started chemo. It was a very emotional time,” said Bevis. “My family is what kept me from giving up; they were right there by my side as my chemotherapy treatments became progressively more difficult.”

While many argue that cancer is hereditary, published statistics point out that only 5% – 10% of breast cancers are hereditary. “The reason I wanted to get involved with MBCC was that I always thought the environment had a lot to do with my breast cancer,” Bevis said. “So much of MBCC’s work is about prevention and finding environmental causes. I think the cure is to look at our environment.”

Another Cape resident, Susan Demarest, a registered nurse from South Dennis, has participated as a runner at Against the Tide since 2015. “I feel strongly about this cause,” says Demarest who was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive breast cancer in 2012. “Once you have breast cancer you are always looking over your shoulder. It would break my heart if it happened to my daughter. We need to do what we can to prevent it.”

We are so fortunate to have such tremendous support from inspirational women, like Susan and Betty Anne, along with many other Massachusetts citizens demanding greater protection of their children’s health. Please join us on Aug. 18 for the 19th annual statewide Against the Tide event at Nickerson State Park in Brewster. Register to be part of our Mothers Team for Breast Cancer Prevention at www.firstgiving.com/team/376538, start your own team or sign up as an individual at www.mbcc.org/swim.

]]>Participant Logistics for Against the Tide in Hopkinton June 16http://mbcc.org/breast-cancer-prevention/participant-logistics-for-against-the-tide/
Tue, 12 Jun 2018 14:00:51 +0000http://mbcc.org/breast-cancer-prevention/?p=10038As June 16th is fast approaching, we’d like to make our participants aware of the following logistics for the Statewide Annual Against the Tide Swim, Kayak, Walk, Run and/or Aquathon event at DCR’s Hopkinton State Park.

Registration/Check-in

Participant registration opens at 6:45 AM at the registration tent on the beachfront. Participants should plan to check-in/register one hour before the first event component they are participating in. Please bring a valid form of ID. We welcome all walk-in registrations, so if you have a friend who wants to join you, please bring them along. There will be free parking near the entrance to the event – please let the parking attendant at the entrance know you are attending the MBCC Against the Tide event so they will not charge you to park.

All paddle board, swim, kayak, and Aquathon participants must check in at the Water Safety Tent after registration. Swimmers and Aquathoners will each receive one swim cap with their bib number and an ankle timing chip. All swimmers, Aquathoners, paddleboarders, and kayakers will be checked in and out of the water by our Water Safety Team. The Worcester YWCA and Ashland Fire Department will provide additional safety support.

Paddleboard and kayak participants should check into Kayak/Paddleboard registration to receive your bib, name tag, and further instructions. Borrowed kayaks and paddle boards will be labeled with your name on the beach. Please do not use a kayak or paddleboard unless your name is on it. If you are bringing your personal kayak or paddleboard to the event, the drop-off location will be on the beach. Please clearly label your personal kayaks and paddleboards. Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) is not responsible for personal on event day.

There will be volunteers stationed at water stops along the walk/run route. Water will also be available in coolers at the start/finish area of the walk/run/aquathon events. Additionally, there will be volunteers with water on the beach for paddle boarders, kayakers, and swimmers.

We invite all participants to enjoy refreshments on the beach from all our wonderful beach sponsors.

Awards

Awards will be handed out throughout the morning on the beach. Awards will be presented to our top 3 highest fundraisers and our highest fundraising team, in addition to the fastest male and female participants in the 1-mile competitive swim, 5K, 10K, and aquathon events. For a complete list of incentive prizes at Against the Tide in Hopkinton, please visit: http://mbcc.org/breast-cancer-prevention/index.php/against-the-tide/incentive-prizes/.

MBCC is excited to see all our Against the Tide participants, and we hope that everybody enjoys their time on the beach on the morning of June 16.